New
New
Year 4

Sprinting: running at speed

I can develop my sprinting technique and analyse my performance to try and run faster.

New
New
Year 4

Sprinting: running at speed

I can develop my sprinting technique and analyse my performance to try and run faster.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: consistently sprinting fast requires our head up, pumping arms, elbows bent and running on the balls of our feet.
  2. Think: when applying the correct technique, we are more balanced and can sprint with a smooth action.
  3. Feel: improving our technique after receiving feedback demonstrates that we have determination to sprint faster.
  4. Connect: sharing ideas and tips with our partner can help them to improve their sprinting technique and sprint faster.

Keywords

  • Sprinting - when you run and use all of your energy to go as fast as you can for a short distance

  • Technique - the method we use to perform a task

  • Faster - moving or doing something more quickly than before

Common misconception

Pupils slow down before the end of the race/ sprint, preparing to stop directly at the finish line.

Explain to pupils that they should not begin to slow down until they have crossed the finish line as it will allow other runners to catch them up and potentially overtake them.


To help you plan your year 4 physical education lesson on: Sprinting: running at speed, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Use the phrase 'hip to lip' to help pupils pump their arms without using too much energy.
Teacher tip

Equipment

worksheet, stopwatch, 30+ cones

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which distance is most suitable for sprinting?
middle
Correct answer: short
long
Q2.
What should you do with your arms when sprinting?
nothing
Correct answer: pump them
straighten them
Q3.
What can help you to sprint faster?
Correct answer: correct technique
squeezing your muscles
looking up
Q4.
What do you need to continue to improve your sprint speed?
running shoes
long legs
Correct answer: determination

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What can running on the balls of your feet help you to do?
Correct answer: consistently run fast
slow down
run straight
Q2.
Which word describes doing something more quickly than before?
slower
Correct answer: faster
longer
Q3.
What could happen if you begin to slow down before the finish line?
you will win
Correct answer: you get overtaken
you sprint better
Q4.
What are you showing when you use feedback to support you continuing to try and improve?
integrity
technique
Correct answer: determination